Thanks man, I'll try, I imagine that it will take a bit of adjusting but it will help me. What's the difference between a classical embouchure and a jazz one? I play tenor, and my Bari WTII mpc came with a ligature, but it has corroded and is not in really good condition. Suggestions?

Is your bari a metal m/p? Is so, metal mouthpiece ligs aren't near as interchangable as hard rubber ligs. I would suggest contacting the company and trying to get a replacement. You might try getting an Otto Link STM lig though, since it's an Otto Link Copy. Difference between a classical and jazz embouchure....very touchy and opinionated subject. I'll give you my take on it, and if other people want to throw rotten fruit at me and tell you their idea is better, then ok. A classical embouchure to me is more closed. Your bottom lip should be curved in and there shouldn't be any of the edge. A lot of edge is created just by the embouchure rather than the m/p. Playing a lot of jazz helps your classical sound get fuller though in my opinion, because a lot of strict classical players sound whimpy because they have a weak airstream. A jazz embouchure should be more relaxed. Most people let their bottom lip come out a little to a lot, it gives more edge and helps in projection, and it can help control. You should also relax your throat. A lot of people don't really develop control of those muscles, but it's really pretty important as far as tone. Also, that's the actual way to do bends and scoops. Very little of that should be done with your embouchure. Make sure with both ways, that your airstream is solid, steady, and consists of warm air, not cold. Basically just exhale, and if you want to be louder, exhale harder. Think breathing out, not blowing. Hope I was of some help

You know on the subject of how to breathe. I've been blowing into the saxophone since I started, and about a week ago I "accidentally" discovered that if I use my diaphragm to push out the air from my lungs (what you call breathing instead of blowing) gives me a much warmer and lusher tone.

Definetly. I can't even imagine doing it the other way...I think I would hyperventilate...way too much work.

Jody Jazz mouthpieces are hands-down the best jazz pieces on the market today. They have loads of guts and let you make your own sound with them. Their response is absolutely insane. They are also priced fairly reasonably, and get this: they come in different colors!! They come with Rovner ligatures and on top of it all, Jody has the best customer service of anybody I've dealt with.

Hey Golferguy! I agree with what you are saying for the most part. However, most of the guys who use a classical embrochure and sound stuffy playing jazz sound stuffy playing classical too. The embrochures I use for any genre remains constant. While my sound isn't very bright, it is big! One of my biggest compliments ever was after playing at the 1993 NASA convention (SW Missouri St) in front of Dick Oatts and him raving about my sound. Of course, I think I spent more time raving about his. His CD "Dial and Oatts" is one of my all time faves.

I have been playing clasical sax for some years. now i want to try into jazz, I went to the music shop to see what kind of metal mouthpieces they have as i dont know much or nothing about them, I got introduced to the Ottolink, and a Ottolink New york, the guy says, but they look the same to me, can some one tell me what is the diference between them, and how can I recognice them also physically, ?is the Newyork some how shorter than the other one? what is your experience with theme?? I also got to try a vandorien... everything in 1 hour, very difficult to deside what was I was looking for... only know that i like the sound of michael breaker. thanks for helping me in my search.

Sorry. just realised I miss to tell that is a tenor sax I play, Ijused to play an evonit , meyer number 6... the Ottolinl I tryed in the shop wher from 6 to 8 and think I feel good with numer 7. .. Im just lost cause dont really know what kind of mouth oiece is that, or the New york. is it ok. or should i go for something more expencive?? well any info would be really helpfull.

I agree. I haven't put any of my mouthpieces back on after I got a jody jazz classic for my alto. When I get my professional grade sax fairly soon, I know I'll still use my Jody jazz mouthpiece, if not buy a higher model one. Like a 24k gold ESP ;)